Ireland Friday Freebie: Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum

Inistioge is a picturesque village nestled in the Nore River Valley in County Kilkenny. Surrounded by wooded hills, the quaint square is planted with lime trees and contains 18th century buildings and houses. A multi-arched bridge crosses the river and there are walkways by the riverbank where you can feed the ducks or have a picnic.

Mount Sandford Walkbegins in Inistioge and wends its way uphill to Woodstock estate. With outstanding panoramic views of the scenic valley and village, the walk is a little over a mile.

Woodstock Gardens and Arboretumoccupies an elevated site overlooking Inistioge. Originally owned by the Tighe family, who lived there for over 150 years, the estate contains a huge collection of trees and plants from all over the world. Unfortunately the 18th century mansion was burned down in the troubles of 1922 and only the ruins remain. But the extensive grounds provide numerous walksincluding a yew walk, silver fir avenue and the longest monkey puzzle tree walk in Europe (over a mile). Ornamental stairways, beech woods and formal rose gardens with arbors highlight the charming estate. Although the gardens are open free to the public, there is a per car parking fee for the lot next to the gardens. If you walk in it is free.

Responses

Inistioge is my favorite village in Ireland — I think it’s the most beautiful. Your photo from the hill outside Woodstock is really excellent. I’ve taken that shot many times but I’ve never gotten the clarity and texture you have captured.

I’ve been following your blog for a few weeks and enjoying it. I hope to make a quick trip to Ireland in April. I love to go there but haven’t been in nearly four years. It’s time!

I agree that Inistioge is a charming village. Did you know that the movie “Circle of Friends” was filmed there? Hope you have a good trip in April. If you have any questions or need help with your trip I invite you to join my Free Ireland Travel Forum: http://ireland.activeboard.com/

These all are really awesome sceneries of Ireland. I like them so much and also the information you provided about the nature of Ireland. These pictures of greenery reveal the secret of less pollution in Ireland.